Stand alone interbody spinal system

ABSTRACT

An embodiment includes an orthopedic fusion system comprising: a cage; a curved first channel coupling a lateral wall of the cage to a superior surface of the cage; a curved second channel coupling the lateral wall of the cage to an inferior surface of the cage; a third channel coupling the superior surface of the cage to the inferior surface of the cage; a curved first anchor configured to slide within the first channel; a curved second anchor configured to slide within the second channel; and a resilient member comprising a resilient first arm that projects across a portion of the first channel and a resilient second arm that projects across a portion of the second channel. Other embodiments are described herein.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to: (a) U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/445,428, filed on Jan. 12, 2017 and entitled “StandAlone Interbody Spinal System”, and (b) U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/341,123, filed on May 25, 2016 and entitled “StandAlone Interbody Spinal System”. The content of each of the aboveapplications is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention are in the field of orthopedic implants.

BACKGROUND

Fixation devices can be used to provide, for example, immobilization andstabilization of spinal segments in patients (e.g., humans, dogs, cats,and other animals). Fixation devices may be used to help fuse bonesegments (e.g., vertebrae) in the treatment of instabilities ordeformities of, for example, the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and/orsacral spine. Such instabilities or deformities may include, forexample, degenerative disc disease (DDD); spondylolisthesis; trauma(i.e., fracture or dislocation); spinal stenosis; curvatures (i.e.,scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or lordosis); tumor; pseudoarthrosis; andfailed previous fusions.

One such fixation device may include an interbody spacer implanted usingtechniques such as Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF), PosteriorLumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF), or Transforaminal Lumbar InterbodyFusion (TLIF) surgical techniques. The spacers used in these techniquesare placed in the interdiscal space between adjacent vertebrae of thespine. Many times an exterior plate is used in conjunction with thespacer to hold the adjacent vertebrae while the fusion occurs.

Ideally, the spacer should stabilize the intervertebral space and allowfusion of the adjacent vertebrae. Moreover, during the time it takes forfusion to occur, the interbody spacer should have sufficient structuralintegrity to withstand the stress of maintaining the space withoutsubstantially degrading or deforming and have sufficient stability toremain securely in place prior to actual bone ingrowth fusion.

The degree or success of union, loads produced by weight bearing, andactivity levels will, among other conditions, dictate the longevity ofthe implant. Robust fixation systems are needed to lessen risksassociated with fixation and to promote better outcomes for patients.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention willbecome apparent from the appended claims, the following detaileddescription of one or more example embodiments, and the correspondingfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 includes a perspective view of an embodiment of a standaloneinterbody cage and anchors.

FIG. 2 includes a side view of an embodiment of a standalone interbodycage and anchors.

FIG. 3 includes a top view of an embodiment of a standalone interbodycage and anchors.

FIG. 4 includes a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a standaloneinterbody cage and anchors.

FIG. 5 includes a perspective view of an embodiment of a standaloneinterbody cage and anchors.

FIG. 6 includes a perspective view of an embodiment of a standaloneinterbody cage.

FIG. 7 includes a perspective view of an embodiment of a standaloneinterbody cage, anchors, and insertion tool.

FIGS. 8, 9, 10 include cross-sectional views of an embodiment of astandalone interbody cage, anchors, and insertion tool at various pointsof anchor deployment within a channel of the cage.

FIGS. 11, 12, 13 include cross-sectional views of an embodiment of astandalone interbody cage, anchors, and insertion tool at various pointsof anchor deployment within a channel of the cage.

FIGS. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 include perspective views of an embodiment of astandalone interbody cage and withdrawal tool at various points ofanchor withdrawal from a channel of the cage.

FIGS. 19, 20, and 21 include cross-sectional views of an embodiment of astandalone interbody cage and anchors.

FIGS. 22, 23, 24 include perspective views of an embodiment of astandalone interbody cage and anchors.

FIG. 25 includes a perspective view of an embodiment of a standaloneinterbody cage and anchors.

FIG. 26 includes a perspective view of an embodiment of a standaloneinterbody cage and anchors.

FIG. 27 includes an insertion tool in an embodiment.

FIGS. 28, 29, 30 include various views of an embodiment of a standaloneinterbody cage and anchors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth.However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may bepracticed without these specific details. Well-known structures andtechniques have not been shown in detail to avoid obscuring anunderstanding of this description. References to “one embodiment”, “anembodiment”, “example embodiment”, “various embodiments” and the likeindicate the embodiment(s) so described may include particular features,structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment necessarilyincludes the particular features, structures, or characteristics.Further, some embodiments may have some, all, or none of the featuresdescribed for other embodiments. Also, as used herein “first”, “second”,“third” and the like describe a common object and indicate thatdifferent instances of like objects are being referred to. Suchadjectives are not intended to imply the objects so described must be ina given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in anyother manner. Also, the terms “coupled” and “connected,” along withtheir derivatives, may be used. In particular embodiments, “connected”may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physicalcontact with each other and “coupled” may mean that two or more elementsco-operate or interact with each other, but they may or may not be indirect physical contact.

FIGS. 1 to 6 and 11 are now discussed. Those figures depict anorthopedic fusion system 100 comprising: a cage 110; a curved firstchannel 101 coupling a lateral wall 130 of the cage to a superiorsurface 131 of the cage; a curved second channel 102 coupling thelateral wall of the cage to an inferior surface 132 of the cage; a thirdchannel 103 coupling the superior surface of the cage to the inferiorsurface of the cage; a curved first anchor 111 configured to slidewithin the first channel; a curved second anchor 112 configured to slidewithin the second channel; and a resilient member 120 comprising aresilient first arm 121 that projects across a portion of the firstchannel and a resilient second arm 122 that projects across a portion ofthe second channel. FIG. 11 also shows first arm 121 projecting across aportion of the first channel 101 and second arm 122 projecting across aportion of the second channel 102.

In an embodiment the first and second arms 121, 122 are monolithic withone another. For example, see FIG. 4 showing member 120 as being amonolithic structure comprising a base that couples arms 121, 122 toeach other. Structure 120 may couple to another retention member 123(FIG. 5) that is not necessarily monolithic with the arms. Thus, arms121, 122 prevent structure 120 from advancing too far into channel 103and member 123 keeps member 120 from backing out of cage 110.

FIGS. 8 to 13 show various views and stages of implantation of anchors.FIG. 12 shows where in a first orientation the first anchor 111 directlydeflects the first arm 121 away from the first channel (first channel101 is more easily seen in FIG. 11) to allow the first anchor 111 topass within the first channel. In the first orientation (FIG. 12) thesecond anchor 112 directly deflects the second arm 122 away from thesecond channel (second channel 102 is more easily seen in FIG. 11) toallow the second anchor to pass within the second channel. Thus, in anembodiment the first and second anchors are configured to deploy intothe first and second channels “simultaneously” (as define below) withone another.

FIG. 7 depicts an insertion tool 140, the insertion tool comprising: afirst insertion tool arm 141 configured to travel along a first arcuatepath (see path taken in FIGS. 8, 9, 10) to drive the first anchor 111along the first channel 101; a second insertion tool arm 142 configuredto travel along a second arcuate path (see path taken in FIGS. 8, 9, 10)to drive the second anchor 112 along the second channel 102.Accordingly, the first and second insertion tool arms are configured torespectively travel along the first and second arcuate pathssimultaneously with one another. As a result, a patient benefits becausesimultaneous anchor insertion saves procedure time. FIG. 27 shows how anarcuate path (including undulating portions) may be due in part to aserpentine channel 149 on an arm, such as arm 141. Not all paths forinsertion arms must be arcuate (as used herein arcuate means “curved”)and may be, for example, linear in other embodiments.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, after anchor insertion the system may enterinto a second orientation. In a second orientation: (a) a portion of thefirst arm 121 is lateral to a proximal end of the first anchor 111 andprevents the first anchor from backing out of the first channel 101, and(b) the first anchor does not deflect the first arm away from the firstchannel.

FIG. 10 shows (indirectly) how in a vertical plane 150 the first anchor111 is completely surrounded by an interior wall of the first channel101. Actually, FIG. 10 shows how anchor 111 is surrounded on two sides(top and bottom) by the channel wall. FIG. 4 helps show how anchor 111is surrounded on two additional sides (left and right sides) by thechannel wall (with all four sides shown in FIGS. 10 and 4 amounting to“surrounding” as used herein). In an embodiment a horizontal axis 151(FIG. 11) intersects the lateral wall and the first and second channels.In an embodiment a horizontal axis 151 (FIG. 11) intersects the lateralwall and the first and second channels and the resilient member 120.

In FIG. 1 the first anchor 111 includes a projection 111′ configured toabut a wall of the first channel 101 to prevent a proximal portion(wherein the “proximal end” of anchor 111 is the opposite end of anchorfrom the pointed distal tip projecting superiorly in FIG. 1) of thefirst anchor 111 from passing through the first channel.

FIGS. 14 to 18 address an embodiment for anchor extraction orwithdrawal. FIGS. 14 to 18 show a withdrawal tool 140′, the withdrawaltool comprising a first withdrawal tool arm 141′ configured to travelalong an additional first arcuate path 141″ to withdraw the first anchor111 from the first channel 101. FIGS. 16 and 17 show a threaded rod 145that threads into the first anchor 111 to couple the anchor to thewithdrawal tool arm 141′. In an embodiment anchor 111 is threaded suchthat a tool (threaded rod 145 of FIG. 16) with, for example, malethreads can be threadably coupled to the anchor. The arm 121 is taperedso it is pushed away by rod 145 in a medial direction. In doing so theresilient member 121 no longer retains the anchor in the cage body andthe anchor may be removed. Thus, FIGS. 14-18 depict a system forreversing deployment of an anchor in an embodiment of a standaloneinterbody system. In an embodiment arm 121 is tapered so it is pushedaway by articulating arm 141′ in a medial direction. Regardingdeflection of resilient arms, at times the arms have beveled surfacesand/or the anchors and/or insertion/withdrawal tools have beveledsurfaces to deflect resilient arms away from the channel to allow anchorimplantation or extraction.

In an embodiment resilient member 120 includes a threaded orifice tocouple to a reciprocally threaded insertion tool 143 (FIG. 11). Tool 143may be rotated via knob 144 (FIG. 7) to couple insertion tool 140 tocage 110. In an embodiment the resilient member 120 comprises a firstmaterial, such as Titanium or Nickle Titanium, and the cage (e.g., wall130) comprises a second material (e.g., Polyether ether ketone (PEEK))that is softer than the first material. This can be critical forinstances such as, for example, when a physician is manipulating cage110. If the manipulation is particularly forceful the threads beingformed in Titanium (instead of something relatively softer such as PEEK)helps resist thread stripping.

In an embodiment (e.g., FIG. 10) the first anchor 111 includes anarcuate outer wall defining an arc 152 that extends along a majority ofan overall length of the first anchor. Arc 152 has a single consistentradius of curvature. However, this does not limit all embodiments toanchors with arcs and further other anchors may be primarily linear orhave curved surfaces that extend less than a majority of the overalllength of the anchors.

In an embodiment (e.g., FIG. 1) the resilient member 120 directlycontacts an outer surface of the lateral wall 130 of the cage. Thisallows a user to visually verify that arms 121, 122 have “snapped back”into position to prevent deployed anchors from 111, 112 from “backingout” of vertebrae and cage 110. However, other embodiments (e.g., FIG.19) have resilient members that are more interiorly located whereby suchvisualization may be more limited.

While many examples described herein have shown two channels for twoanchors (e.g., FIG. 1), other embodiments are not so limited and mayinclude fewer channels (e.g., 1) or more channels (e.g., 3, 4, or more)for anchors. For example, while a cervical implant may have less “realestate” for such channels a lumbar implant may allow for, as an example,two channels for superior facing anchors and two channels for inferiorfacing anchors (e.g., FIG. 25).

In an embodiment, orifice 104 (FIG. 1) may go all the way through (FIGS.5 and 6) member 120 to constitute a channel. Such a channel may allow aphysician to inspect channel 103, insert bone matrix or particulate intochannel 103, and the like. However, in other embodiments orifice 104 maybe sealed at one of its ends.

Embodiments above describe how upon insertion an anchor deforms aresilient member medially (due to, for example, tapered faces ofresilient arms and/or tapered faces of the anchors) moving the memberout of the channel or void in which it normally resides. After finaldeployment the resilient member “snaps back” laterally into position.The resilient member now is located at least partially within a void ofthe anchor (or lateral to the anchor) thereby preventing “backing out”or withdrawal of the anchor. In other words, in some embodiments theresilient member is behind or lateral to the anchor after deployment(e.g., FIG. 1) but in other embodiments the arm may be deployed within avoid of the anchor. In some embodiments arms may “snap back” in the samedirection. For example, in an embodiment resilient arms may both belocated to the left of channels and may both deflect to the left toallow anchor passage and “snap back” to the right. In some embodimentsmore than one arm may obstruct a portion of a channel.

In an embodiment the anchors include a guide on a side wall that mateswith a channel in the cage (or vice versa in some embodiments). Anchorsmay include teeth or other gripping members to grip bone or tissue uponimplantation. The cage body (which may include PEEK) may includeapertures that retain radiopaque metal members (see, e.g., 146 of FIG.5) to allow for imaging of such metal members. For example, Tantalumpins 146 may be used to aid visualization of image transparent PEEK body110. In an embodiment portions of the body 110 may be coated with amaterial, such as titanium to promote tissue ingrowth.

The main cage body may have ramps or angled portions (see, e.g., element153 of FIG. 10) that help project anchors in superior and inferiordirections respectively to deploy into bone portions located superiorand inferior to the spacer. In an embodiment the anchors are curved (seeFIG. 10). The curved nature of the anchors allows for a more verticalimplantation into bone. For example, a flattened anchor portion 154 isgenerally vertical in FIG. 10 illustrating an insertion path thatgenerally has more than 45 degrees of rotation. For example, frominsertion (FIG. 8) to final implantation (FIG. 10) the tip of the anchormay rotate 45, 55, 65, 75, 85 degrees or more. This results in betterpurchase with the vertebrae. For example, in FIG. 8 the distal tip ofanchor 111 is generally horizontal and in FIG. 10 is generally verticalconstituting almost a 90 degree rotation. This eases implantation forthe physician while still provide for secure bone purchase.

FIGS. 7-13 depict an insertion tool for the anchors. The insertion toolallows for simultaneous insertion of anchors into bone. The anchors 111,112 may deploy simultaneously in superior and inferior directions. By“simultaneous” what is meant is that at some point in time both anchorsare being deployed (e.g., FIG. 12). Simultaneous does not necessarilyrequire that each anchor move in lock step with each other (e.g., FIG.11 shows one anchor further progressed than the other anchor) but insome embodiments that is indeed the case. However, in other embodimentsthe anchors may be deployed independently/non-simultaneously of eachother (e.g., one deployed and then another deployed). For example, thesame tool shown in FIG. 7 may be deployed with only a single anchor andis so doing only a single anchor is deployed regardless of arms 141, 142both articulating simultaneously. Another embodiment of tool 140 mayinclude only a single arm that still advances along an arcuate path toproject a single anchor along a superior or inferior arcuate path.

As shown in FIG. 2, one anchor projects upwards and another anchorprojects downwards. The anchors are not vertically aligned but arepresent in the same horizontal plane (e.g., a plane that intersects bothchannels), a plane that aligns with the main axis of the spacer. Theanchors are equally offset from the vertical axis (e.g., a vertical axisthat bisects the orifice of element 120). Due to this offset, multipleinstances of the body may be employed in a multi-level fusion. In such acase, a first body may be inserted into disc space above a vertebra anda second body may be inserted into disc space below that same vertebra.Due to the offset of the anchors, even if the bodies are alignedvertically, the upward projecting anchor of the lower second body willnot interfere with a downward projecting anchor of the upper first body.Embodiments include a set of multiple cages for a multilevel fusion asdescribed above. Further, due to the offset between anchors each of theanchor channels may traverse more than 50% of the height of the body(e.g., start in the bottom half of the cage and traverse through the tophalf of the cage). If the body is configured for cervical fusion, thebody is necessarily quite small (e.g., as opposed to lumbar bodies) andtherefore “real estate” is limited. However, staggering of the anchorsallows for longer and thicker anchors that have greater strength toaccommodate both insertion but also post-operative loading.

An embodiment includes a set of anchors that come in varying lengths,any of which are compatible with either of the body channels simply byrotating the nail 180 degrees if switching between deployment inchannels. Having an assortment of anchors to choose from allows aphysician to use an anchor pair for a single body whereby the anchorsare equal or unequal lengths. In an embodiment a physician may insert arelatively smaller anchor using the technique of FIGS. 7-13, thenexplant the smaller anchor using the technique of FIGS. 14-18, and theninsert a relatively larger anchor using the technique of FIGS. 7-13.

Embodiments are not limited to any one type of a spacer and may be usedfor cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spacers.

FIGS. 19, 20, 21 include an orthopedic fusion system comprising: a cage;a curved first channel (occupied by anchor 211) coupling a lateral wall230 of the cage to a superior surface of the cage; a curved secondchannel (occupied by anchor 212) coupling the lateral wall of the cageto an inferior surface of the cage; a third channel 203 coupling thesuperior surface of the cage to the inferior surface of the cage; acurved first anchor 211 configured to slide within the first channel; acurved second anchor 212 configured to slide within the second channel;and a resilient member 220 comprising a resilient first arm 221 thatprojects across a portion of the first channel and a resilient secondarm 222 that projects across a portion of the second channel.

In such an embodiment an insertion tool may include an arm 241 thatcouples to the cage to force the resilient member towards channel 203(FIG. 20) thereby flexing arms 221, 222 to move away from the channels.Those arms may later “snap back” behind the anchors or into recesses inthe anchors to keep the anchors from “backing out” of the bone. Forwithdrawal of anchors the arm 241 may again be deployed to move the armsout of a restricting position and then hooks or other members may beused to withdraw the anchors. FIG. 21 shows the resilient member in anunflexed state with resilient arms abutting walls of anchors to preventanchor “back out”.

FIGS. 22, 23, 24 include perspective views of an embodiment of astandalone interbody cage and anchors. FIG. 22 shows a Titanium skeletonformed using, for example, additive manufacturing. FIGS. 23, 24 show theskeleton filled out with PEEK (e.g., after PEEK is injection molded intothe cage). FIGS. 23, 24 include an orthopedic fusion system comprising:a cage; a curved first channel 301 (occupied by anchor 311) (e.g., wherechannel may be milled within PEEK) coupling a lateral wall 330 of thecage to a superior surface of the cage; a curved second channel 302(occupied by anchor 312) coupling the lateral wall of the cage to aninferior surface of the cage; a third channel 303 coupling the superiorsurface of the cage to the inferior surface of the cage; a curved firstanchor 311 configured to slide within the first channel; a curved secondanchor 312 configured to slide within the second channel; and aresilient member 320 comprising a resilient first arm 321 that projectsacross a portion of the first channel and a resilient second arm 322that projects across a portion of the second channel.

In such an embodiment an insertion tool may include an arm that couplesto the cage to force the resilient member towards channel 303 therebyflexing arms 321, 322 to move away from the channels. Those arms maylater “snap back” behind the anchors or into recesses in the anchors tokeep the anchors from “backing out” of the bone. For withdrawal ofanchors the arm may again be deployed to move the arms out of arestricting position and then hooks or other members may be used towithdraw the anchors.

FIG. 25 includes a perspective view of an embodiment of a standaloneinterbody cage and anchors. FIG. 25 includes an orthopedic fusion systemcomprising: a cage; curved channels 401, 401′ coupling a lateral wall440 of the cage to a superior surface of the cage; curved channels 402,402′ coupling the lateral wall of the cage to an inferior surface of thecage; a channel 403 coupling the superior surface of the cage to theinferior surface of the cage; curved anchors 411, 411′ configured toslide within the channels 401, 401′; curved anchors 412, 412′ configuredto slide within the channels 402, 402′. No resilient member analogous tomember 320 (FIG. 22) is present as not all embodiments require such amember. Member 407 (which couples anchors to each other in a pivotalmanner where anchors pivot about member 407) may be resilient andinclude, for example, nickel titanium.

While many of the anchors shown thus far resemble nails and may havecross-sections that are generally cylindrical other embodiments may havemore flattened anchors and the like. For example, FIG. 26 shows twoflattened anchors that deploy simultaneously. In this embodiment theanchors are pivotally coupled to one another via resilient member 507but they need not be in order to still simultaneously deploy. FIG. 26shows two flattened channels configured to receive the flattenedanchors. Anchors may have multiple tines (not shown) that share a commonbase and the like. Flattened anchors may be deployed offset from eachother whereby flattened anchors are deployed in channels offset fromeach other (such as with FIG. 1).

The designs of various resilient members described herein are such thatthey may be deformed yet still maintain mechanical integrity aftercycling or repeated deformation of the members (which may be brought ondue to insertion of the member in the device and a physician insertinganchors and then removing those anchors to later deploy additionalanchors (possibly of a smaller or larger size than the initiallydeployed anchors)).

FIGS. 28, 29, 30 include an orthopedic fusion system 600 comprising: acage 610; a curved first channel 601 coupling a lateral wall 630 of thecage to a superior surface of the cage; a curved second channel 602coupling the lateral wall of the cage to an inferior surface of thecage; a third channel 603 coupling the superior surface of the cage tothe inferior surface of the cage; a curved first anchor 611 configuredto slide within the first channel; a curved second anchor 612 configuredto slide within the second channel. Instead of a resilient memberanalogous to member 120 of FIG. 1, the embodiment of system 600comprises barbs 691, 692 to wedge within portions of the material (e.g.,PEEK) that forms channels 601, 602. Thus, resilient retention arms arenot necessary in all embodiments. However, the embodiment of system 600may be augmented with resilient arms. An anchor may be removed bycoupling a hook member to recess 682 and then pulling the anchor out ofthe cage. An insertion tool may couple to orifice 620′ to deploy orextract the cage. Orifice 620′ may be threaded to receive the insertiontool. The threads may be composed from PEEK, a metal liner, and thelike.

The following examples pertain to further embodiments.

Example 1 includes an orthopedic fusion system comprising: a cage; acurved first channel coupling a lateral wall of the cage to a superiorsurface of the cage; a curved second channel coupling the lateral wallof the cage to an inferior surface of the cage; a third channel couplingthe superior surface of the cage to the inferior surface of the cage; acurved first anchor configured to slide within the first channel; acurved second anchor configured to slide within the second channel; anda resilient member comprising a resilient first arm that projects acrossa portion of the first channel and a resilient second arm that projectsacross a portion of the second channel.

The “superior surface” does not necessarily mean it must be the “most”superior surface or highest surface of the cage. The “inferior surface”does not necessarily mean it must be the “most” inferior surface orlowest surface of the cage.

The portion of the channel that the arms project across may be, forexample, at a proximal portion of the channel or distal to the proximalend of the channel (where proximal end is where the anchor initiallyinserts into the channel).

The lateral wall need not be completely flat. For example, the wall mayinclude a ridge within but still constitute a single lateral wall. Asused herein lateral wall does not necessarily mean lateral with regardto the patient but more generally means a side wall. The wall may face,for example, anterior or posterior when inserted into a patient.

Example 2 includes the system of example 1 wherein the first and secondarms are monolithic with one another.

Other embodiments may employ multiple resilient arms that are notmonolithic with each other.

Example 3 includes the system of example 1 wherein in a firstorientation the first anchor directly deflects the first arm away fromthe first channel to allow the first anchor to pass within the firstchannel.

This deflection may be aided by beveled surfaces on the arms, anchors,and/or insertion tools.

Example 4 includes the system of example 3 wherein in the firstorientation the second anchor directly deflects the second arm away fromthe second channel to allow the second anchor to pass within the secondchannel.

Example 5 includes the system of example 3 wherein in a secondorientation: (a) a portion of the first arm is lateral to a proximal endof the first anchor and prevents the first anchor from backing out ofthe first channel, and (b) the first anchor does not deflect the firstarm away from the first channel.

Example 6 includes the system of example 5, wherein in a vertical planein the second orientation the first anchor is completely surrounded byan interior wall of the first channel.

For example, see FIGS. 4 and 10 showing how in a vertical plane theanchor is surrounded in 360 degrees by interior wall of the channel.This is in contrast to, for example, FIG. 28 where a slot joins thechannel to prevent 360 degrees of surrounding wall in a vertical plane.

Example 7 includes the system of example 1 wherein the first anchorincludes a projection configured to abut a wall of the first channel toprevent a proximal portion of the first anchor from passing through thefirst channel.

Examples of such projections include element 111′ (FIG. 1) and 692 (FIG.28). Other embodiments may use recesses in the anchors that couple toresilient members of the cage to stop progress of the anchor.

Example 8 includes the system of example 1 comprising an insertion tool,the insertion tool comprising: a first insertion tool arm configured totravel along a first arcuate path to drive the first anchor along thefirst channel; a second insertion tool arm configured to travel along asecond arcuate path to drive the second anchor along the second channel.

An arcuate path need not maintain a single radius of curvature along itsentire path but may indeed include such a single radius of curvature insome embodiments.

Example 9 includes the system of example 8 wherein the first and secondinsertion tool arms are configured to respectively travel along thefirst and second arcuate paths simultaneously with one another.

Example 10 includes the system of example 8 comprising a withdrawaltool, the withdrawal tool comprising a first withdrawal tool armconfigured to travel along an additional first arcuate path to withdrawthe first anchor from the first channel.

Example 11 includes the system of example comprising a fourth channelcoupling the lateral wall of the cage to the third channel.

Example 12 includes the system of example 1 comprising: a fourth channelbetween the first and second channels; a third anchor configured toslide within the fourth channel.

Example 13 includes the system of example 1 wherein a horizontal axisintersects the lateral wall and the first and second channels.

Example 14 includes the system of example 1 wherein the first anchorincludes an arcuate outer wall defining an arc that extends along amajority of an overall length of the first anchor.

Example 15 includes the system of example 14 wherein the arc has asingle consistent radius of curvature.

Example 16 includes the system of example 1 wherein in a firstorientation the first anchor directly deflects the first arm towards thesecond arm and away from the first channel to allow the first anchor topass within the first channel.

Example 17 includes the system of example 1 wherein: the resilientmember comprises a first material; the cage comprises a second materialthat is softer than the first material; and the resilient memberdirectly contacts an outer surface of the lateral wall of the cage.

Example 18 includes the system of example 17 wherein: the first anchorincludes a threaded orifice to couple to a reciprocally threadedwithdrawal tool; and the resilient member includes an additionalthreaded orifice to couple to a reciprocally threaded insertion tool.

Example 19 includes the system of example 1 wherein the first and secondanchors are configured to deploy into the first and second channelssimultaneously with one another.

Example 20 includes an orthopedic fusion system comprising: a cage; afirst channel coupled to a lateral wall of the cage and projectingsuperiorly; a second channel coupled to the lateral wall of the cage andprojecting inferiorly; a third channel coupling a superior surface ofthe cage to an inferior surface of the cage; a curved first anchorconfigured to slide within the first channel; a curved second anchorconfigured to slide within the second channel; and a resilient membercomprising a resilient first arm that projects across a portion of thefirst channel and a resilient second arm that projects across a portionof the second channel.

Example 21 includes the system of example 20 wherein a horizontal axisintersects the lateral wall, the resilient member, and the first andsecond channels.

Example 22 includes the system of example 20 comprising an insertiontool, the insertion tool comprising: a first insertion tool armconfigured to travel along a first path to drive the first anchor alongthe first channel; a second insertion tool arm configured to travelalong a second path to drive the second anchor along the second channel.

Example 23 includes the system of example 8 wherein the insertion toolcomprises a third insertion tool arm configured to drive the resilientmember towards the channel (103).

Example 24 includes the system of example 23 wherein the third insertiontool arm is configured to drive the first and second arms towards eachother in response to the third insertion tool arm driving the resilientmember towards the third channel.

Example 25 includes the system of example 3 wherein in the firstorientation the second anchor is not included in the second channel.

Example 26 includes the system of example 1 wherein the first and secondanchors are configured to deploy into the first and second channelsasynchronously from one another.

Example 27 includes the system of example 8 comprising a withdrawaltool, the withdrawal tool comprising: a first withdrawal tool armconfigured to travel along an additional first arcuate path to withdrawthe first anchor from the first channel; a second withdrawal tool armconfigured to travel along an additional second arcuate path to withdrawthe second anchor from the second channel.

Example 28 includes the system of example 1 wherein the first anchorincludes a retention member configured to prevent a proximal portion ofthe first anchor from passing through the first channel.

Example 29 includes the system of example 1 wherein the first and secondanchors are pivotally coupled to one another.

Example 30 includes an orthopedic fusion system comprising: a cage; acurved first channel coupling a lateral wall of the cage to a superiorsurface of the cage; a curved second channel coupling the lateral wallof the cage to an inferior surface of the cage; a third channel couplingthe superior surface of the cage to the inferior surface of the cage; acurved first anchor configured to slide within the first channel; acurved second anchor configured to slide within the second channel.

Thus, not all embodiments require a resilient member.

Example 31 includes the system of example 30 wherein the cage includes avertical plane that bisects the cage into left and right halves and thefirst channel is included one of the left and right halves and thesecond channel is included in another of the left and right halves.

Example 32 includes an orthopedic fusion system comprising: a cage; afirst channel coupling a lateral wall of the cage to a superior surfaceof the cage; a second channel coupling the lateral wall of the cage toan inferior surface of the cage; a third channel coupling the superiorsurface of the cage to the inferior surface of the cage; a first anchorconfigured to slide within the first channel; a second anchor configuredto slide within the second channel; and a resilient member comprising aresilient first arm that projects across a portion of the first channeland a resilient second arm that projects across a portion of the secondchannel.

Thus, not all embodiments require curved channels and/or curved anchors.

Example 33 includes the system of example 32 wherein in a firstorientation the first anchor directly deflects the first arm away fromthe first channel to allow the first anchor to pass within the firstchannel.

Example 34 includes the system of example 33 wherein in the firstorientation the second anchor directly deflects the second arm away fromthe second channel to allow the second anchor to pass within the secondchannel.

Example 35 includes the system of example 32 wherein the first andsecond anchors are configured to deploy into the first and secondchannels simultaneously with one another.

Example 36 includes the system of example 32 wherein the cage includes avertical plane that bisects the cage into left and right halves and thefirst channel is included one of the left and right halves and thesecond channel is included in another of the left and right halves.

Example 37 includes an orthopedic fusion system comprising: a cage; acurved first channel coupling at least one side wall of the cage to asuperior surface of the cage; a curved second channel coupling the atleast one side wall of the cage to an inferior surface of the cage; athird channel coupling the superior surface of the cage to the inferiorsurface of the cage; a curved first anchor configured to slide withinthe first channel; a curved second anchor configured to slide within thesecond channel; and a resilient member comprising a resilient first armthat projects across a portion of the first channel and a resilientsecond arm that projects across a portion of the second channel.

Thus, in an embodiment the channels are not necessarily in the same sidewall but may be included in two adjoining wall.

Embodiments are not limited to any one approach (anterior, posterior,lateral).

An embodiment includes a kit with a cage and several anchors that havethe same width but different lengths.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has beenpresented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed. This description may include terms, such as left, right, top,bottom, over, under, upper, lower, first, second, etc. that are used fordescriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. Forexample, terms designating relative vertical position refer to asituation where a side of a device is the “top” surface of that device;however the device may actually be in any orientation so that a “top”side of a device may be lower than the “bottom” side in a standardterrestrial frame of reference and still fall within the meaning of theterm “top.” Persons skilled in the art will recognize various equivalentcombinations and substitutions for various components shown in theFigures. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention belimited not by this detailed description.

What is claimed is:
 1. An orthopedic fusion system comprising: a cage; acurved first channel coupling a lateral wall of the cage to a superiorsurface of the cage; a curved second channel coupling the lateral wallof the cage to an inferior surface of the cage; a third channel couplingthe superior surface of the cage to the inferior surface of the cage; acurved first anchor configured to slide within the first channel; acurved second anchor configured to slide within the second channel; anda resilient member comprising a resilient first arm that projects acrossa portion of the first channel and a resilient second arm that projectsacross a portion of the second channel; wherein in a first orientationthe first anchor directly deflects the first arm away from the firstchannel to allow the first anchor to pass within the first channel. 2.The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second arms are monolithicwith one another.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein in the firstorientation the second anchor directly deflects the second arm away fromthe second channel to allow the second anchor to pass within the secondchannel.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein in a second orientation: (a) aportion of the first arm is lateral to a proximal end of the firstanchor and prevents the first anchor from backing out of the firstchannel, and (b) the first anchor does not deflect the first arm awayfrom the first channel.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein in a verticalplane in the second orientation the first anchor is completelysurrounded by an interior wall of the first channel.
 6. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the first anchor includes a projection configured toabut a wall of the first channel to prevent a proximal portion of thefirst anchor from passing through the first channel.
 7. The system ofclaim 1 comprising an insertion tool, the insertion tool comprising: afirst insertion tool arm configured to travel along a first arcuate pathto drive the first anchor along the first channel; a second insertiontool arm configured to travel along a second arcuate path to drive thesecond anchor along the second channel.
 8. The system of claim 7 whereinthe first and second insertion tool arms are configured to respectivelytravel along the first and second arcuate paths simultaneously with oneanother.
 9. The system of claim 7 comprising a withdrawal tool, thewithdrawal tool comprising a first withdrawal tool arm configured totravel along an additional first arcuate path to withdraw the firstanchor from the first channel.
 10. The system of claim 1 comprising afourth channel coupling the lateral wall of the cage to the thirdchannel.
 11. The system of claim 1 comprising: a fourth channel betweenthe first and second channels; a third anchor configured to slide withinthe fourth channel.
 12. The system of claim 1 wherein a horizontal axisintersects the lateral wall and the first and second channels.
 13. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the first anchor includes an arcuate outerwall defining an arc that extends along a majority of an overall lengthof the first anchor.
 14. The system of claim 13 wherein the arc has asingle consistent radius of curvature.
 15. The system of claim 1 whereinin the first orientation the first anchor directly deflects the firstarm towards the second arm and away from the first channel to allow thefirst anchor to pass within the first channel.
 16. The system of claim 1wherein: the resilient member comprises a first material; the cagecomprises a second material that is softer than the first material; andthe resilient member directly contacts an outer surface of the lateralwall of the cage.
 17. The system of claim 16 wherein: the first anchorincludes a threaded orifice to couple to a reciprocally threadedwithdrawal tool; and the resilient member includes an additionalthreaded orifice to couple to a reciprocally threaded insertion tool.18. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second anchors areconfigured to deploy into the first and second channels simultaneouslywith one another.
 19. An orthopedic fusion system comprising: a cage; afirst channel coupled to a lateral wall of the cage and projectingsuperiorly; a second channel coupled to the lateral wall of the cage andprojecting inferiorly; a third channel coupling a superior surface ofthe cage to an inferior surface of the cage; a curved first anchorconfigured to slide within the first channel; a curved second anchorconfigured to slide within the second channel; a resilient membercomprising a resilient first arm that projects across a portion of thefirst channel and a resilient second arm that projects across a portionof the second channel; and an insertion tool comprising: (a) a firstinsertion tool arm configured to travel along a first arcuate path todrive the first anchor along the first channel, (b) a second insertiontool arm configured to travel along a second arcuate path to drive thesecond anchor along the second channel, and (c) a lever operativelycoupled to the first and second insertion tool arms; wherein the firstand second insertion tool arms are configured to respectively travelalong the first and second arcuate paths simultaneously with one anotherin response to movement of the lever.
 20. The system of claim 19 whereina horizontal axis intersects the lateral wall, the resilient member, andthe first and second channels.